​Top 5 things to do in Auckland in Summer

​Top 5 things to do in Auckland in Summer
 
Summer has well and truly arrived in Auckland, and there are few places in New Zealand as diverse and exciting as the City of Sails during the warmer seasons.
 
Whether you’re new to this gorgeous city or just need some inspiration, here are five of the best things to do in Auckland during summer!
 
1. A swim at Mission Bay
 
Mission bay is just 7 kilometres from the Auckland CBD, and on a nice day, it becomes packed with locals along this stunningly beautiful stretch of golden sand. If you’re up for a walk, you can’t beat taking this stroll from town to the beach, grabbing an ice cream or frozen yoghurt from one of the shops along the shore, and setting up by the water for the day.
 
2. Walk up a volcano
 
Much of the Auckland region has been shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity, and you can still see plenty of evidence of these forces of nature today.
 
Mt Eden is a stone’s throw from the central city, and is the highest volcano in the city at 196 metres, which makes for a rigorous walk to the top. There’s a large crater in the middle, plenty of New Zealand bush up the sides, and an arresting view of the city from the top.
 
3. An Auckland nature tour
 
New Zealand is known for its vast green spaces and diverse flora and fauna, and these treasures are at their best during a warm summer’s day!
 
A nature tour to Tawharanui will introduce you to the glorious landscape of this national park, as well as the small-town New Zealand experience in Matakana. At Tawharanui, you’ll walk an ecology trail and see some of the country’s rare endemic wildlife such as the Brown Teal, Kaka, Saddleback, and Kereru. A day tour to the Waitakere Ranges head in a different direction for views of awesome black sand beaches, Lake Wainamu, and the Cascade Kauri Park.
           
4. Fish’n’chips on Devonport Beach
 
Fish’n’chips are a Kiwi staple, so enjoying this tasty treat is a must-do on any New Zealand holiday – the question is simply, where?
 
Devonport is the small township directly across from Auckland downtown. It takes less than 10 minutes to get there by ferry, and is full of cute shops and quirky cafes. Once you’ve had your fill of strolling up and down the main street (with a walk to the top of Mt Victoria for some impressive views), head back to the shore with fish’n’chips to relax and enjoy the view!
 
5. A sail on a yacht
 
Auckland is known as the City of Sails, and it’s a special treat to experience the adventure behind the nickname. Book yourself on board one of the yachts in the harbour, where operators take visitors on an exhilarating and exciting spin around the waters in the Hauraki Gulf right in front of the city. On some of these tours, you’ll even get to help out the crew by steering or working the spinnakers! 

A walk through Tawharanui's ecology trail is one of Auckland's great walks to do this summer.